MOTOR HOME GLOSSARY
AIR BAG - A pneumatic spring (air spring) that is installed on the front suspension of Workhorse P Series chassis. Workhorse does not provide air bag cylinders used on the rear suspension. The body manufacturers, dealers or aftermarket companies install them. In the aftermarket, air bags have been discontinued and the replacement components solely feature tuned coil springs.
AIR SUSPENSION - An aftermarket suspension that is sometimes used to support the drive axle and/or tag axle on a motor home. The Workhorse Warranty does not cover complications arising from the installation of this suspension. When a body manufacturer installs an air suspension, care must be taken to ensure the driveline angles will not be changed. Some of the manufacturers of air suspensions include Jet Air and Granning. Workhorse parts offers a complete hybrid air suspension called Stabil-Air.
ALIGNMENT - The process of adjusting the front suspension for proper handling and tire wear. Although the initial alignment is applied at the time of manufacture, the initial alignment is the responsibility of body builder.
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (ABS) - A crash avoidance system designed to help keep you in control by minimizing wheel/tire lockup and skidding on most slippery surfaces. The Workhorse ABS is 4 wheel disk 4 channel system.
AUTOMATIC APPLY PARKING BRAKE - (J72) A parking brake used on P Series Chassis with 16,500 lb., 17,000 lb. and 18,000 lb., W Series Chassis with 24,000 lb and 25.5 GVWR and the UFO with 26,000lbs of GVWR. This brake is spring applied and hydraulically released with hydraulic fluid from an electrically driven pump. With the introduction of the Arvin Meritor WABCO HPB system on UFO the J-72 is obsolete and no longer used. Front engine W-Series chassis will begin using the new technology as well in the near term.
The J-71 was used in model year 2004 and earlier motorhome chassis on the P-Series and is no longer in production.
BATTERY ISOLATOR - A solid-state device used to isolate the RV battery(s), which runs the entire interior coach electrical systems, from the chassis battery(s). The isolator disconnects the RV battery from the chassis when the engine is shut off. This prevents the chassis battery from losing charge from the use of the RV electrical components when the alternator is not charging. Once the vehicle has started, the isolator will reconnect the RV battery(s) back into the system to charge the RV battery. Also, please note that the isolator and the RV battery are not Workhorse components.
CAMBER - One of three adjustments made during a front wheel alignment. Simply put, camber is the leaning of a tire to the left or right of the chassis.
CASTER - One of the three adjustments made during a front wheel alignment. Simply put, caster is the tilt of the steering knuckle to the front or rear of the chassis. Caster angles of as much as 5? have shown to increase directional control in some cases. The UFO's caster is set to this value.
CCC – (Cargo Carrying Capacity): This rating is the remaining weight the vehicle can carry with full fresh water, full water heater, full LP tank and the SCWR. This rating is calculated by adding the fresh water capacity times 8.3 pounds (3.8kg) per gallon, LP capacity times 4.5 pounds (2kg) per gallon, the SCWR and the UVW then subtracting the sum from the GVWR. This does not take into account dealer installed options.
CLASS A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE - A motor home built on a chassis such as the Workhorse W Series, R-Series or UFO chassis.
CLASS B RECREATIONAL VEHICLE - An up-fitted or conversion van.
CLASS C RECREATIONAL VEHICLE - A motor home built on a cutaway full size van. All GM RV Van Chassis cabs are to be badged Workhorse. WCC added input in the design of the 14,050 chassis for RV use. GM will provide all after sale support and service. WCC service centers are not authorized to work on Class C vehicles unless they are a GM or Chevrolet dealer.
DEXRON® III - The type of fluid is used in the automatic transmission and the electro hydraulic park brake system on the Workhorse Chassis. This fluid can be mixed with Dexron® II and used in any GM automatic transmission built since 1949. This is also the standard fluid for the Allison TM transmissions in Workhorse chassis built prior to April 5, 2005.
DEXRON® VI - This type of fluid is used in the Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions and the electro-hydraulic park brake system beginning in the 2006 model year. DEXRON® VI is compatible with previous Dexron® formulations.
Note: Allison Automatic Transmissions warns owners to not install Dexron® VI in any of their transmissions because the formulation is not approved in any Allison transmission. The only approved fluids are Dexron III and fluids meeting the TES-295 specification or equivalent.
DIESEL FUEL - The fuel used in diesel engines. Number 1-D diesel is recommended in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and Number 2-D diesel is recommended at all other times since it has higher energy content than 1-D. 2006 engines an prior use LSD fuel containing 500 ppm of sulfur. ULSD (ultra low sulfur diesel - 50 ppm) fuel is to be used in engines labeled 2007 emission compliant or damage will occur to the control devices which may not be covered under warranty.
E-85 - Is a fuel that consists of 85% Ethanol and 15% gasoline. Use of E85 fuels in Workhorse Custom Chassis vehicles can cause damage to engine and engine systems. Damage caused by E85 fuels is
not covered by Workhorse Custom Chassis warranty. The Vortec 8.1L engine is not compatible with FlexFuel(E85).
ECM – (Engine Control Module). Located front top center it's the brain of your engine. Vehicles are equipped with an ECM when fitted with an Allison Transmission.
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL (ETC) – This engine control system is standard on the 8100 Vortec engine. There is no mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and the throttle. A potentiometer at the pedal measures pedal angle and sends a signal to the PCM; the PCM then directs an electric motor to open the throttle appropriately.
EXHAUST MANIFOLDS - A set of cast stainless devices used to route exhaust gases from the engine to the exhaust pipes. The Workhorse SSC Option uses tuned exhaust headers to increase performance.
FRAME STRETCHING - Metal added to lengthen the frame of a chassis. A body manufacturer may do this to increase the wheelbase of a Workhorse chassis. If complications were to arise because of a frame extension, they would not be covered under the Workhorse Custom Chassis Limited Warranty.
FUEL FILTER – The gas engine filter is located along the right or left inside frame rail forward of the rear axle, depending on the chassis Series. The 6.5 Turbo Diesel, the fuel filter/heater/water separator is located on top of the engine. In year 2005 and above a new fuel filter was introduced which is essential to the return less fuel and evaporative emission control system.
GAWR – (Gross Axle Weight Rating): The maximum amount of weight on a single axle. This is measured between the ground and all the tires on a single axle. GAWRF is the rating for the front axle. GAWRR is the axle rating for the rear axle.
GCWR – (Gross Combination Weight Rating): The maximum amount of combined weight of the chassis including cargo, fluids and passengers as well as any item that is being towed (trailer, boat, vehicle, etc.).
GVWR – (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): The maximum weight the chassis was designed to carry including cargo, fluids, and passengers, this does not include the weight of any item being towed but does include the tongue weight of towed item.
HUCK BOLTS - Used throughout the frame. They cannot come loose, assuring the most durable construction. Their use illustrates Workhorse' commitment to superior structural integrity. Typical chassis using huck bolts are the UFO and R-Series.
HYDRO-BOOST - A power assist brake system used many Workhorse chassis. This system uses hydraulic fluid from the power steering system to assist the driver in stopping the vehicle. Backup power assistance is provided through the use on a hydraulic accumulator.
HYDRO-MAX - A power assist brake system used many Workhorse chassis. This system uses hydraulic fluid from the power steering system to assist the driver in stopping the vehicle. Backup power assistance is provided by a hydraulic pump driven by an integral electric motor.
IP – (Instrument Panel). Beginning in model year 2003, Actia has provided the all electronic dash with the windowed "Command Center" digital display. The point of contact at Actia is: Paul Windbigler @ 574-266-2672 ( his direct line ). He is the person and will work with you. WCC has installed a new IP in 2007 and newer chassis that features 5 background colors, red, green, yellow, white and blue. The command center is much larger and the pixel per inch has been increased to make the larger fonts more visible.
NCC – (Net Carrying Capacity): The maximum weight of all personal belongings, food, fresh water, LP gas, dealer installed accessories, people, etc. that can be carried by the vehicle. This is usually calculated by subtracting the UVW from the GVWR. On RVIA labels this has been replaced by CCC (Cargo Carrying Capacity).
MAXXFORCE - A series of engines that are built by Navistar's International Truck and Engine Division. The "new" Workhorse W-16D front mounted diesel engine uses a "Series 5" V6 twin turbo configuration. 4.5L, 200HP, 400lb/ft Torque.
OXYGEN SENSOR – Is an electrical device that sends signals to the PCM advising of the oxygen content in the exhaust stream. The PCM uses this information to determine if it should provide more or less fuel to the engines air/fuel ratio.
PCM – (Powertrain Control Module): The computer that controls the fuel, ignition and emission components for the engine. It can also control shifting points and TCC lock-up for the transmission certain applications. A PCM is used when equipped with a GM transmission.
RPM – (Revolutions per Minute): Typically used to represent how quickly the engine crankshaft is turning inside the engine. RPM may also be used to represent tire rotational speeds.
SCWR – (Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating): The manufacturers designated sleeping positions of the motor home. This rating is calculated by multiplying the number of sleeping positions by 154 pounds (70kg) and is utilized in calculating the CCC.
SFI – (Sequential Fuel Injection): Fuel injection with injectors aimed directly at each cylinders intake valve and fired a precise timing of the value opening. Improves performance, engine efficiency, and emissions output. Computer controlled fuel release.
STEERING DAMPER – Is a shock absorber that absorbs road shock inputs in the steering system, thereby, decreasing the tendency of the vehicle to wander on the highway. Safe-T-Plus and Steer safe are 2 such systems.
STEERING SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES - These devices help support the steering linkage. There is one located on each frame rail on P Series chassis that rotate as the linkage is moved. Some technicians may refer to these as "bell cranks." Sometimes the supports may have excessive play and would require adjusting, refer to the Steering section for details. There are aftermarket bell cranks fitted with roller bearings rather than bushings that give the drive a better feel in the steering equipment.
SPID - Service Part Identification Number
TOE - One of the three adjustments made during an alignment. Toe measures how much the tires are pointed in or out from each other.
TORQUE CONVERTER - A device used with an automatic transmission in order to provide a fluid coupling from the engine to the transmission as well as to multiply torque in load situations.
TORQUE BOX - A new device resembling a plate that fitted to the UFO rear axle assembly and chassis. The Torque Box provides both the features of a anti sway bar and a track bar.
TCC – (Torque Converter Clutch): A mechanical coupling located inside the torque converter. This clutch is similar to the clutch used with a manual transmission except that it runs in and is applied hydraulically with automatic transmission fluid. The clutch is engaged on the 4L80-E transmission in 2nd through 4th gears when the vehicle is at cruising speeds. The AllisonTM transmission engages this clutch in all gears except first. This increases fuel economy by preventing slippage in the torque converter.
TCM – (Transmission Control Module): Computer that controls all the operation of the transmission getting input from various sensors and the ECM.
TPS – (Throttle Position Sensor): An electronic device that senses how far the throttle has been opened or how much the driver is pushing on the gas pedal. The ECM/PCM uses this information to determine fuel mixture and transmission shifting points.
TOWING CAPACITY – Is GCWR minus the actual weight of a fully loaded motor home, including passengers, fluids, and cargo equals towing capacity.
TRANSYND - TranSynd™ heavy-duty automatic transmission fluid, a remarkable synthetic oil exclusively formulated by Castrol for Allison Automatics, extends Allison transmission oil drain intervals 300%.
(TES-295 Approved Fluids)
TranSynd's viscosity stability and resistance to thermal breakdown protect your Allison Automatic far better, far longer. And TranSynd™ is highly resistant to oxidation, minimizing chances for sludge and varnish deposits. TranSynd makes it possible for Allison Automatic Transmission to give its owners a 5 year or 200,000 mile limited warranty.
UFO – (Universal Fuel Option) New innovative 26,000 GCWR Rear Engine configured motorhome chassis introduced in August of 2006. UFO may be seen with either a gas powerplant or 2 diesel options. Flat floor design throughout, 55? steering, 100 gallon fuel tank, huck bolted chassis components and rails.
UNITIZED COOLING SYSTEM - Routes engine coolant, motor oil and transmission fluids through the same cooling dam effectively cooling the high-performance gas or diesel powertrains in all driving conditions. An industry first.
UVW – Unloaded Vehicle Weight: The weight of the vehicle as it leaves the body manufacturers factory with full fuel (5.6 pounds per gallon-gas, 6.8 pounds per gallon-diesel), engine oil, and coolant. This does not include dealer-installed options.
VCM - Vehicle Control Module: Computer that controls all vehicle operations including electronic engine, emission, and transmission.
WARRANTY - New Workhorse Custom Chassis are covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This covers the complete chassis as delivered to the body manufacturer including engine, transmission, suspension, axle, etc. (front end alignment is not covered). The Allison 1000MH and 2100MH 5 or 6 speed transmissions (W series chassis with 20,700 GVWR or higher) are covered by a 5 year 200,000 mile warranty, whichever comes first beginning on April 6, 2005 VIN# 409091 Prior to this date and after January 2, 2004 the Allison transmission warranty was for 2 years or 80,000 miles. The LCT1000 used in a W series chassis beginning in the 2001 model year to January 1, 2004 were covered by a 3 year unlimited mileage warranty. The Allison warranty is administered by Allison and performed by certified Allison repair facilities. You can contact Allison Worldwide Assistance at:
317-242-3538, for more detailed warranty information. The new Workhorse limited warranty covers repairs to correct any defects related to materials or workmanship occurring during the warranty coverage period. Needed repairs will be performed using new or re-manufactured parts. In the 2007 model year the GM Vortec engine has a 5 year 100,000 limited warranty and the Allison automatic has a 5 year 200,000 mile limited warranty.
WCC ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE - Roadside assistance is also included in basic chassis coverage. Roadside assistance will arrange towing to the nearest WCC dealer or qualified repair facility if vehicle can not be driven because of a warranty defect within the base warranty period. Please refer to Customer and Roadside Assistance, in this manual, and or your Warranty and Owner Assistance manual or Owner's Manual for further details.
WCC Roadside Assistance:
877-946-7731
WISE – (Workhorse Integrated Smart Electrical System) ~ Is a complete, front-end-cap-to-rear-end cap multiplexing system designed specifically for a Class A motor home. WISE warns the RV'er of potential problems, providing an added level of safety from the front of the coach to the rear.
Linear Mode
